China: New rules for classification and labelling of chemicals

 

The Chinese State Administration for Market Regulation has published National Standard of the P.R.C., Rules for classification and labelling of chemicals — Part 1: General specifications.

The document specifies the terms and definitions related to classification and labelling of chemicals, and also specifies the rules for classification, labelling and SDS of chemicals.  This document applies to the classification and labelling of chemicals under the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).

Pharmaceuticals, food additives, cosmetics and insecticidal residues in food, etc. are not covered by the labelling in this document when ingested intentionally. However, if workers are likely to be exposed, or there is a potential for exposure during transport, the provisions of this document still need to be followed.

The standard (GB 30000.1) is to replace GB 13690-2009 – General rule for classification and hazard communication of chemicals. After it takes effect, the chemical classifications in China will more align the UN GHS Rev. 8.

GB 30000.1 comprises of six parts, these are:

• Part I Scope
• Part II Normative References
• Part III Terms & Definitions
• Part IV Classification
• Part V Hazard Communication: Labels
• Part VI Hazard Communication: SDS

The full text of the standard in Chinese can be found HERE.

To find out more about chemical compliance in China, please contact the Product Compliance Institute directly.